Muskoka Brewery had a launch party at The Stubborn Goat in Halifax to announce the launch of two of its beers, Mad Tom IPA and Winter Beard Double Chocolate Cranberry Stout, at the NSLC. Muskoka is not new to Nova Scotia as it was available at private stores in HRM for sometime now.
Craig Prentice spoke to the attendees about Muskoka Brewery's history and distribution within Canada and in addition to Mad Tom and Winter Beard they are bringing a couple more offerings to the NSLC in the spring.
The Stubborn Goat had a great sampling of fare to go with the beers we could try. I first tried the Mad Tom, this IPA is a strong 6.4% ABV and is dry-hopped with Chinook and Centennial hops giving it a crisp aroma and a very citruy and piney taste.
I was worried that the Winter Beard was going to be overwhelmed by sweetness and chocolate but the chocolate and sweetness were just right and after that flavor faded a fruitiness lingered. This is a nice beer to sip and enjoy on a cool winters night.
Both beers are in the NSLC system now with Mad Tom being a year-round offering and the Winter Beard for Christmas.
Watch for a full review on these beers coming soon.
On October 4th the third installment of City Harvest is happening in Halifax and with about 100 businesses participating I have listed the highlights for beer lovers to help plan your day.
A stop at North Brewing Company on Agricola Street will get you a $1 off 750 ml growler fills, $2 off 1.89 l growler fills and 10% off merchandise.
Stubborn Goat Gastropub on Grafton is offering $2 Cask Beer Samples and a backdoor $5 Mac & Cheese, take a selfie with the Mac from 11-4 to win free stuff
Premiere Wine & Spirits on Dresden Row is having tastings of Tsingtao & Tiger Beer and they are giving away free Tsingtao glass to first 100 people.
Garrison Brewing at the Halifax Seaport is releasing its 3 Fields Harvest Wet Hopped Ale and Double Jack Imperial Pumpkin Ale. While you are there you can grab a Meatball Sandwich from Getaway Meat Market.
Bishop's Cellar at Bishop's Landing is celebrating Nova Scotia farm wineries & local Craft Beer with samples of wine & craft beers.
Obladee Wine Bar on Barrington Street has Nova Scotia Red or White wine, paired with Nova Scotia Cheese for $12 or a local craft beer with a local smoked sausage for $10.
There is a lot to see and sample but it is all about supporting local, watch for tweets as I work my way around Halifax.
Hello and welcome to the January 10th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.
CBC reported this week that the Great Canadian Beer Expo is cancelled. From CBC.com:
The Nova Scotia installments of a beer tasting event has been cancelled, just one day after CBC ran a story about how the organizer was selling unauthorized tickets.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Great Canadian Beer Expo has to be postponed at this time," reads an email sent to a Maritime brewery set to take part in the event.
"Because we are unable to set new dates, we will be issuing full refunds to all participants. The refund process has already begun and will be completed by January 31st, 2014."
The emailed is signed, "The GCBE Team."
Credit for breaking this story and alerting CBC goes to a group of guys over on the Brewnosers forum, way to go guys.
Unfortunate turn of events, I heard some are getting refunds already look in to it as soon as possible. I would like mention their are several Beer fest that are approved and been around for at least one year so you shouldn't have reservations about supporting them.
Big Tide Brewing Co. is brewing Bourbon Stock Ale. It is a Stock Ale that is also known as a winter warmer or a strong ale. It is estimated be about 8% ABV and 50 IBU's and should be ready the week of the 20th at the pub and in growlers.
The Pump House Brewery have a new beer called Pompier à vos garde. From facebook "The style is biere de garde and is brewed in the style of northern France. Biere de garde or Beer to Keep is a traditional french farmhouse beer. Our deep chestnut brown ale is brewed with Crystal malt, Cara dark and good Canadian 2 row malt, Brew master Glenn lightly hops his ale with his own combination of 3 distinctive hops. Fruity esters are evident and despite a 7% ABV there is no noticeable alcohol taste."
PEI Brewing Company are introducing the new Fathers 2014 Commemorative 4 Pack. The new 4 pack will be shipped to PEI and New Brunswick, sorry Nova Scotia. The four types of beer included in the pack are their Blueberry Ale named 1864, their Coles Cream Ale branded Premier George Coles, their signature Sir John A’s Honey Wheat Ale and Colonel John Hamilton Gray representing their Brown Ale.
Bad Apple Brewhouse has announced their next beer, Black & Tackle, will be available tomorrow at the brewhouse. It is a Russian Imperial Stout that comes in at 9% ABV and as they put it, "it will definitely help with the winter chills!"
Big Spruce Brewing will be releasing a brand new beer at The Craft Beer and Local Food Celebration next Thursday. Tim's Dirty, an American IPA. This was the winning recipe from the winner of the 1st Annual Big Spruce Homebrew Challenge, Tim Gregory.
Hell Bay Brewing Company released that its English Ale is coming to a participating NSLC near you by the end of the month. Good news for Nova Scotians
Rockbottom Brewpub has set a date for their first beer dinner. It will be January 27th at 6pm. Three courses of food paired with three beers. It will $30 and the menu will be released soon.
Rogue's Roost is having their 2nd Brewmaster Monday event on the 13th with the next one scheduled for January 27th. Ticket info will be posted next week and i will try to pass it along.
The Stubborn Goat Gastropub has announced their first Cask Friday to go today. They will have a firkin of Garrison Winter Warmer, and a pin of Garrison Spruce Beer. It starts at 4 PM and goes until they are gone. I will report them as I get information.
Stillwell Beer Bar has released the details on their Tap takeover featuring Boxing Rock Brewing and Big Spruce Brewing on January 18th. $10 gets you a glass to take home and a drink ticket. The event starts at noon and runs until 5 pm. Featuring, from Boxing Rock: Many Hands Pale Ale (collab with Bridge Brewing), Hunky Dory Pale Ale, Temptation Red, Crafty Jack English Brown, U-889 Russian Imperial Stout and Vicar's Cross DIPA. From Big Spruce: Tim's Dirty American IPA, Blackout Conundrum, Left Breton Organic Conspiracy Imperial IPA (collab with Crannóg), Regatta Red , Bitter Get'r India Black IPA, Kitchen Party Pale Ale and Cereal Killer Oatmeal Stout. In addition cask ales from both breweries. Tickets are at the bar or for information email tix@barstillwell.com .
Thanks for joining me again this week and until next time, enjoy responsibly.
